Research Development Manager - Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) at the Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia (MRCG)

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is linked to the UK Medical Research Foundation and is a registered charity that enables early-career researcher scientists in Africa to develop and lead research to improve health and save live.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Development Manager - AREF

Location: Fajara, Gambia

Job Information

• AREF seeks to appoint a Researcher Development Manager based to be based in The Gambia at Fajara.
• The post holder will be part of AREF Researcher Development Programmes team and will be responsible for developing and delivering professional development for African post-doctoral researchers/early career researchers (ECRs). 
• S/he will be expected to create and deliver training, working with a wide range of specialist AREF faculty, guests and alumni to ensure breadth and depth of professional development delivery.
• This job will involve working closely with academics, funders and other professionals from a range of different countries and cultures.

Role Purpose

• You will be responsible for the delivery of the portfolio of Academy programmes
• You will work closely with the Head of Researcher Development to foster and maintain relationships with members of the faculty.
• The post holder will conduct workshops and other development activities, including one-to-one and small group coaching, as part of the AREF Researcher Development Programmes team.
• AREF provides training programmes to early career health researchers across Africa in order to support individual’s transferable skills, research income generation and career development. Delivery will be conducted both virtually and in person in a variety of locations, primarily in Africa.
• As part of AREF Researcher Development Programmes team, the post holder will be responsible for developing and delivering professional development for African post-doctoral researchers/early career researchers (ECRs).
• They will be expected to create and deliver training, working with a wide range of specialist AREF faculty, guests and alumni to ensure breadth and depth of professional development delivery. This job will involve working closely with academics, funders and other professionals from a range of different countries and cultures.

Essential Requirements

• PhD in a relevant discipline or Post-graduate Clinical Degree with Research experience
• Experience delivering experiential learning programmes that integrate different types of learning and developmental interventions
• The ability to manage a geographically dispersed college of skilled and professional associates
• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and verbally with colleagues, trustees and other stakeholders including the ability to write reports, briefings and minutes
• The ability to plan and manage multiple projects and processes, delivering consistently to specified high standards and necessary deadline

Desirable:

• Qualification or experience in coaching
• Qualification or experience in project management
• Proficiency in French and/or Portuguese
• Previous experience working with a charity
• Previous experience in Biomedical or health-oriented research in low-income settings

Salary and Condition of Service

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2, 35 Points of MRCG at LSHTM’s payscale at a minimum net monthly salary of 85, 906 Dalasi. This converts to a take home pay of $1, 718 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USD figure quoted is only given as a guide.
• For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.
• The appointment will be for 2 years initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Application Closing Date
6th September, 2022.